Ghost of Yōtei’s developers, Sucker Punch, share the inspiration behind choosing Hokkaido as the game's central setting. Discover how the team brought the island to life and the experiences that shaped their creative vision during research trips to Japan.
Ghost of Yōtei – A Setting Rooted in Authenticity
Set in the fictional yet deeply inspired version of Ezo—modern-day Hokkaido—Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch’s tradition of embedding real-world locations into its storytelling. In a PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox provided insight into how the development team selected Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s journey.
This isn’t the first time the studio has drawn from actual geography; Ghost of Tsushima successfully captured the spirit of Tsushima Island. That project earned praise from Japanese critics and even saw Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell named ambassadors of the real-life island, a recognition of their respectful portrayal of its culture and history.
In 2021, Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for the studio’s efforts: “Even many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the history of the Gen-ko period. Globally, Tsushima is virtually unknown, so I’m deeply thankful they told our story with such stunning visuals and compelling narratives.”
The team approached Ghost of Yōtei with the same dedication, aiming to "deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability" within a fictional narrative. Hokkaido was chosen not only for its historical significance but also because, as Fox explained, it was "unbelievably beautiful and, in 1603, marked the edge of the Japanese empire." He added, “If you’re going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location.” The setting becomes an integral part of Atsu’s evolving identity and the consequences of her actions.
A Landscape of Beauty and Peril
To better understand the region, the team made two research trips to Japan, visiting key natural and cultural landmarks. One such location was Shiretoko National Park, where breathtaking vistas were tempered by the ever-present sense of danger lurking in the wilderness.
Fox described the experience as a perfect blend of serenity and risk, stating, “A perfect marriage of beauty and danger—that was exactly the feeling we wanted for our game. For me, that was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice.”
Another highlight of their journey was Mt. Yōtei, known to the Ainu people as "Machineshir," or "the Female Mountain." Revered as sacred by the indigenous Ainu who have inhabited Hokkaido for generations, the mountain became a symbolic touchstone for both the land and Atsu’s personal loss.
Fox noted how enriching these visits were, saying the time spent speaking with locals and absorbing the environment helped shape the game’s tone. As outsiders, the team acknowledged their initial lack of deep cultural understanding, but remains committed to representing the region respectfully. More insights into this process will be shared in the future.
With Ghost of Yōtei being the largest project Sucker Punch has undertaken, anticipation is high. The game is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth features as the release date approaches.
